Why Tuscaloosa?

Tuscaloosa County is a community that continues to grow and prosper in this challenging economy. Nearly 170,000 people live in the MSA, and Tuscaloosa serves a regional market of over 350,000 people.

The City of Tuscaloosa has a population of approximately 90,000; and the neighboring community of Northport has a population of about 20,000 people.

COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

The University of Alabama was ranked 31st, its highest ranking ever, in the 2012 US News & World Report rankings. Enrollment at the University of Alabama has grown by over 80% since 2001 and reached a record high of 31,747 students for fall 2011.

Shelton State Community College offers 2-year degree programs in varied subjects serving as a primary work force development resource for West Alabama. 8,000 students.

Stillman College is a private liberal arts college with an enrollment of about 1,200.

ATTRACTIONS

University of Alabama football brings in visitors from across the country each fall. A typical home game weekend has an $15 million economic impact on the community. Games against rivals
or ranked opponents may bring in as much as $25 million. UA’s championship Gymnastics and Softball programs, as well as up-and-coming Basketball and Baseball programs command a smaller economic impact but still bring Crimson Tide fans to town year round.

Tuscaloosa’s quality of life is unparalleled, with 36 public parks covering more than 1800 acres, beautiful Lake Tuscaloosa, countless rivers and streams and multiple world-class golf courses.

Northport’s Kentuck Festival has grown into one of the largest and most important regional arts festivals in the Southeast, bringing over 30,000 people to the area each year. Also, the Historic Bama
Theater and new riverfront Tuscaloosa Amphitheater consistently stay booked with large and small acts and will continue to add to Tuscaloosa’s thriving economy and riverfront for years to come.